CO 2 sensor supports food-preservation efforts
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is used to prolong the shelf life of fruits, vegetable and salads with a specific level of CO 2 to keep produce fresher longer The optimal level of CO 2 needed to extend the shelf life of produce varies by the product being preserved. Typically, during inert-packaging efforts, sample packages are tested at regular intervals and the CO 2 levels checked by inserting a hollow needle to draw out a sample of packaging gas for analysis. The longer the read time for CO 2 analysis, the more packages are able to move through the line before detection indicates the wrong CO 2 level. The Storage Control Systems Portable Gas Sensor allows CO 2 analyses to be carried out in seconds, using only a small sample volume. The portable device uses a SprintIR InfraRed CO 2 sensor from this company. — Gas Sensing Solutions (GSS), Cumbernauld, U.K.